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Summertime, and the living isn\u2019t always easy!\u00a0 We welcome that transition from the sometimes all too long cold, snowy, or rainy months.\u00a0 The first sign of those warm sunny days invites us to get out, bask in the sunshine, and restore that healthy vitamin D!<\/p>\n
But when is it too much of a good thing, and what can we do when we over indulge?<\/p>\n
We have all heard the tips and recommendations to take it slow, wear a hat, cover up with loose clothing that can breathe, avoid the sun during the hottest times of the day, interrupt sun exposure with time in the shade, and apply a good sunscreen.\u00a0 Nothing new here.\u00a0 So, what are the warning signs that we need to be aware of and what can we do when someone is in distress?<\/p>\n
Seniors and The Sun<\/strong><\/p>\n It takes energy for our bodies to regulate our temperature, and this extra demand can cause a serious, significant, and even deadly stress for seniors.\u00a0 As we age, our ability to manage changes in temperatures can be compromised.<\/p>\n One of the reasons for this is the reduced layer of subcutaneous fat just below our skin, which, among other things, helps us control our response to heat and cold.i\u00a0 Our progressively reduced ability to perspire also jeopardizes our ability to cope well in heat during our later years, as well as side-effects from chronic use of medications.\u00a0 Dr. Tim Takaro, professor of health sciences at Simon Fraser University suggests that the hypothalmus in the brain also plays a role in regulating the physiological response to heat, and that this function is diminished as we get older.ii\u00a0 Taken in its entirety, over-exposure to heat and the sun (especially for older persons) can cause de-hydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.<\/p>\n Dehydration<\/strong><\/p>\n When we release more fluids than we take in, we can become dehydrated.\u00a0 Symptoms include thirst, reduced urine production, elevated heart rate and lower blood pressure, reduction in tears, vomiting, muscle cramps and light-headedness.iii\u00a0 Left untreated, dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and ultimately, death.\u00a0 Introduce fluids in frequent and small amounts, including water, clear broth, popsicles, and electrolyte replacements such as Powerade and Gatorade.<\/p>\n Heat Exhaustion<\/strong><\/p>\n Dehydration, extended exposure to the sun and\u00a0over-exertion can lead to heat exhaustion.\u00a0 In addition to the symptoms described for dehydration, heat exhaustion can also include profuse sweating or inability to sweat, confusion, fever up to 103 F, fainting, seizures, difficulty breathing, chest or abdominal pains.\u00a0 If any of these symptoms do not respond to the cessation of physical activity, cooling, and the re-introduction of fluids (as described with dehydration) it is important to seek immediate medical help.<\/p>\n Heat Stroke<\/strong><\/p>\n Although there is no distinct and clear line between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, the presentation of cognitive challenges such as confusion, lethargy, seizures and coma \u2013 as well as a body temperature in excess of 103 F can often indicate heat stroke.\u00a0 Delay in treatment can lead to organ damage and death in more than 50% of the cases.iv \u00a0Dr. Takaro cautions that staying cool during a summer heat wave is not a luxury \u2013 it is a health issue.v\u00a0 He reminds us of the tragic deaths of more than 10,000 people during the extended heat wave in France in 2003.<\/p>\n Be aware of your environments.\u00a0 Check on people you know who may not be able to get relief, and make sure they have enough fluids, access to cool compresses, have regular contact, and some respite from the heat for periods throughout the day. With some foresight and caring, we can ensure that the living is easy for everyone this summertime!<\/p>\n Rhonda Latreille, MBA, CPCA<\/p>\n Founder & CEO<\/p>\n Age-Friendly Business<\/p>\n i https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/summer-safety-for-seniors-and-elders\/<\/p>\n ii Lisa Johnson, CBC News, June 25, 2015, \u201cB.C. heat wave: Why heat is more dangerous for seniors.\u201d<\/p>\n iiihttps:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/dehydration_pictures_slideshow\/article.htm<\/p>\n ivhttps:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/heat_exhaustion\/article.htm#what_is_the_difference_between_heat_exhaustion_and_heat_stroke<\/p>\n v Lisa Johnson, CBC News, June 25, 2015, \u201cB.C. heat wave: Why heat is more dangerous for seniors.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Did you know:\u00a0 It is estimated that 20% of cataracts are caused by UV exposure, and that UV exposure can also cause Age-Related Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in North America.<\/p>\n Source:\u00a0 National Institutes of Health<\/p>\n <\/p>\nUV Exposure<\/h1>\n
A Helping Hand<\/h1>\n
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